Concern arose in certain areas of West Bengal’s Bankura district on the 77th Republic Day as Maoist posters were discovered. The posters, recovered mainly from Taldangra and Onda, were reminiscent of the district’s Maoist past until around 2011. They were noticed by locals on Monday, posted on trees and bus stops, handwritten in red ink, a common style for left-wing extremist messages.
The posters expressed opposition to anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh, criticizing security forces for alleged counter-insurgency actions. They also demanded the release of local tribal individuals detained for suspected Maoist ties. Additionally, justice was sought for the death of Maoist leader Madvi Hidma in a clash with security forces in Andhra Pradesh last year.
Following the discovery, local police removed the posters for investigation to determine their origin. An official mentioned the common occurrence of posters being put up by individuals with ulterior motives in such areas. Bankura, along with neighboring districts, had been Maoist strongholds until 2011, gradually losing influence after the demise of a top Maoist commander in 2011.
